THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

Evening Star, Issue 23681, 14 September 1940, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

PROPER PLACE OF SPORT AN ENGLISH VIEWPOINT “ Alosfc sportsmen are engaged at the moment doing something more important than was their wont at this time lust year (says ‘ World Sports,’ official magazine of the British Olympic Association). Athletic, cricket, football and in fact all sorts of sports clubs report difficulty in carrying on. The position will become more acute as the year develops.

But there is no doubt it is the duty of all sports clubs to make every effort to keep their activities alive. Members in the forces will expect, when able to get week-end leave, that their clubs can provide some relaxation. It behoves all, then, to leave nothing undone to keep sport in most of its branches a vital living force in these difficult times. But, with reservations, we fail to see that any encouragement should be given to “ record ” breaking attempts anywhere in this country.

Strength and inclination for “ record ” should be put to better purpose. We think, too, sport of the gambling type, dog and horse racing, should bo drastically curtailed. If the people have money to gamble, they ought to be Tc.minded it would be hotter directed to war savings certificates. Racecourses in the main should bo troop not horse training centres. In short, sport then should only be recognised and permitted -where it is on healthful, carefree lines. The time for any otnor variety is past, and tho nation must surely wish that sportsmen’s and sportswomen’s energies

should be bent to a war-winning effort, and that sport be only permitted in so far as it is a contribution to this vital objective.